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2018 NFL Mock Draft: Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen top first round

By Brad Weiss

PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 19: USC (14) Sam Darnold (QB) passes the ball during an NCAA football game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins on November 19, 2016, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. USC defeated UCLA 36-14. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 19: USC (14) Sam Darnold (QB) passes the ball during an NCAA football game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins on November 19, 2016, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. USC defeated UCLA 36-14. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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AUSTIN, TX – APRIL 15: Malik Jefferson #46 of the Texas Longhorns calls defensive plays during the Orange-White Spring Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on April 15, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX – APRIL 15: Malik Jefferson #46 of the Texas Longhorns calls defensive plays during the Orange-White Spring Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on April 15, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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Malik Jefferson

Linebacker, Texas

Just like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tennessee Titans spent an early first round pick in 2015 on a quarterback. That pick proved to be the right one, as Marcus Mariota has developed into one of the best young quarterbacks in the game. An injury ended his season in 2016, but he is back healthy to start the 2017 campaign, where his Titans will take on fellow AFC foe Oakland Raiders in Week 1.

For the Titans, it has been a steady ascend up the ranks in the AFC South. The Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars figure to be down this season, and Mariota nearly led his team to the playoffs last season. The organization went out and brought in some talent at the wideout position this offseason, including spending their first round pick on Western Michigan star Corey Davis.

With their first pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Titans should look to add some talent on the defensive side of the ball. Linebacker Malik Jefferson from Texas is one of the best linebackers in the country, and his style of play is perfect for the Titans defensive scheme. He has an incredible motor, and should be available this late in round one if the Titans take care of business and draft this late in April.

The Titans are going to be good for a long time because they are building their team the right way. They are a bubble team in the AFC this season, as the Houston Texans figure to keep their grip on the division for at least this season. If Mariota takes the next step forward, and Davis and Eric Decker add to the receiving corps, this team has a chance to be very special in 2017.

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